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Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the analyst's finding of Norketamine and Dehydronorketamine in a urine sample collected from the racehorse D’great Beauty prior to it competing in Race 2 (Maiden Plate, 1315m) at Coffs Harbour Racecourse on Tuesday, 7 November 2017.

Evidence was taken from licensed trainer, Ms Joanne Hardy, who also represented the interests of the owners of D’great Beauty, Racing NSW veterinarian, Dr Tania Selig and ARFL science manager, Dr Adam Cawley.

Ms Hardy pleaded guilty to a charge under AR178 in that she did bring D’great Beauty to Coffs Harbour Racecourse on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 for the purpose of engaging in Race 2 (Maiden Plate, 1315m) and the prohibited substances Norketamine and Dehydronorketamine were detected in a urine sample collected from the filly prior to competing in, and placing fourth, in the event.

Stewards were of the opinion that the appropriate penalty be a fine of $6000.

Appreciating that Ms Hardy pleaded guilty to the offence, has no prior conviction under prohibited substance rules, cooperated fully with stewards throughout the entire proceedings and the irregularity was due to inadvertent contamination, the penalty was reduced to $4000.

Acting under the provisions of AR177, D’great Beauty was disqualified from its fourth placing in Race 2 (Maiden Plate, 1315m) at Coffs Harbour Racecourse on 7 November 2017 and the placings amended as follows:-

1st - Lady Casey
2nd - Lady Light
3rd - Claimed
4th - Duckworth Lewis

Further, Ms Hardy was fined $200 for failing to record treatments to the 2YO Rothesay x All Saint Girl gelding in her care on 26, 27 and 28 October 2017 (AR178F).

Ms Hardy was advised of her rights of appeal.